Don’t you love checking things off your to-do list? I know I love that feeling, especially when things get done in advance. You’ve probably been reading articles titled “Top 100 things you need for college” or “College Survival Guide”, which led you to this article. Every article seems to be helpful, but why do we keep clicking the next one? If you’re anything like me, you strive for perfection. But let’s face it, we’re headed to college soon. After the many articles you’ve read about college, you know that it’s not possible to be perfect balancing everything that college students have going on (that’s another article). We’re inevitably going to be stressed when August rolls around, but here’s a few tips to help:

1. Start now

Do everything you can now, so that you aren’t scrambling for a dorm comforter in August when they’re most likely sold out of the one you’ve had your eye on.

2. Only buy the necessities.

The space in your dorm will fill up quicker than you’ll expect. For example, the articles you’ve read might include kitchen supplies as a must, but if you have a meal plan and know you can’t cook to save your life, save yourself the money.

3. Once you find out who your roommate is, find out who is bringing the necessities for the spaces you share.

For example, many people will share a bathroom, kitchen, and living room with a roommate. Divide up the supplies with them so you don’t end up with two toasters, etc.

There are many things you will need, but like I said the necessities are most important, as you’re not given unlimited space.

Clothing

• Hanging clothes for your closet (switch them out when it’s new season)
• Lots of comfy casual clothes that you can fold up such as Nike shorts, leggings, etc. (this will be the clothes you end up wearing to class everyday)
• Workout clothes and shoes
• Swim suit
• Pajamas
• Shoes (you can never have too many, but leave the eight-inch stilettos)
• One dressy outfit for an interview
• A light jacket
• When it’s winter, make sure to bring your heaviest coat along with winter essentials like gloves and scarves if it’s cold in your state (you’ll be glad you don’t have these)
• A robe (especially if your shower isn’t in your room)

Tip: Leave your high school clothes behind, along with the billion t-shirts you own, you’ll be receiving more.

Things for your room

• Comforter/bedspread for a Twin XL
• Pillows/ body pillow
• Bed linens
• Clothes hangers
• Command strips (most schools will not allow you to nail photos into the wall)
• Plastic containers with tight lids for storing snacks, detergent, etc.
• Headphones/ear buds (so your music doesn’t bother your roommate)
• Cell phone chargers
• Power strip
• Desk lamp
• TV/DVD-Player/
• Fan
• Earplugs
• Hair dryer
• Curling irons, and flat irons
• Purse or wallet with debit card/ access to money
• Insurance card in case you get hurt
• Electric blanket
• Small refrigerator/microwave
• Crates or stacking containers
• Scissors and tape
• Message board for your door so neighbors and friends can leave messages if you’re not in your room
• Snacks
• Laundry bag to transfer clothes to the washer or home
• Laundry hamper for your room

Cleaning supplies

• Paper towels
• Glass cleaner, comet, any other cleaners
• Broom and dustpan
• Mop

For the bathroom

• Towels, washcloths
• Soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Shaving cream and razors
• Feminine products
• Tissues
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Band-Aids
• Cold medicine and vitamins
• Aspirin
• First-aid kit

For the kitchen

• Dishwashing soap
• Mixing bowls
• Pots and pans
• Plates and bowls
• Pizza cutter
• Crock-pot
• Blender
• Coffee-maker
• Drinking cups
• Silverware
• Coffee mugs
• Salt and pepper shakers

For school

• Computer/laptop
• Binders and folders
• Paper
• Writing utensils
• Dictionary
• Backpack
• Calculator
• Day-planner

Happy dorm-room shopping!